I counted each step that I took while walking into the building. Using it as a way to ground myself so I didn't fold into my nerves. I was nervous to say the least. I could hear the faint sound of my heartbeat in my ears as it raced. I was meeting with the Dean of the university. The university called and had set up a meeting with me a couple weeks ago when I first moved to Sacramento. I was overjoyed when I got the call that they had accepted my transfer and wanted me to come in to get everything set up. 

As soon as I stepped into the building, I was pointed in the direction of a small room. The room was dull and reminded me of a police interrogation room with carpet and nicer furniture. Mrs. Blake, the dean, was sitting behind a dark wooden desk. She held a large stack of papers in her hands. I had almost offered to help.  Her face was extremely serious. She had tight frown lines on her forehead which made her look older than she was.

I stood awkwardly in the doorway, leaning against the frame. Do I just walk in or do I wait? I cleared my throat to try and get her attention. The grey-haired lady didn't even looked up. 

"Please, sit." Mrs. Blake finally looked up from her work and pointed at the black chairs in front of her desk. I briskly walked to the open seat and sit down.

"Well, you must be," She looked down at her papers. "Ms. Hanson." 

"Uh, yeah! Thats me! It's nice to meet you." I reached out to shake her hand.

"You too," I retracted my hand after she lightly shakes it with her own. 

"You already made your schedule online. So, I guess the only real thing we need to discuss is your living situation."Mrs. Blake licked her finger and then turned one of the papers over. I cringed as I saw how wet the corner became. I didn't think people still did that.

"As you know, you came at a considerably late time. The semester is already about a month in. It seems it would have benefitted you more if you had transferred next year. However, since that isn't the case we had to try and find space for you in the dorms. which proved to be impossible. All the rooms are filled at the moment."

I should have figured something like this would happen. Transfers are never a smooth process. Something always goes wrong, most of the time its credits that don't transfer. I'd say all dorms being full is a first. 

My heart began to race with anxiety. Was she going to tell me I needed to find my own place to stay? I told them that I'd really prefer to live on campus. Why accept a transfer student when there is no room for them? As much as I would love to live in my own apartment, I couldn't pay the rent. California is super expensive especially for a college student.

"I have pulled some string just for you. You were a top student at your other university and it would be a shame if we couldn't have you here. Anyway, there's a studio apartment on campus. We made the payment apart of your tuition fee."

I sighed in relief. "That's great! Thank you so-

"You will have a roommate but I'm sure you were expecting the same with a dorm. You're lucky, He is also one of our top students here. You two will make a great team! His name is Mason Chains" She gave me the smallest smile I had ever seen.

Huh, maybe he can help steer me in the direction of a major. I registered as undecided and am leaning towards liberal arts. I just need to decide which one. 

"Unless there is anything else you need, there is a student waiting to show you around. If you have any questions later, email me," I got up from my seat and muttered out a quick goodbye.  I couldn't even express the weight that fell from my shoulders as soon as I was out of the room. 

I moved into the lobby where I was told to leave my things. If I had gotten a rental car like my mother told me to, I wouldn't have had to bring in the little luggage that I had. Thankfully mom said she would ship the rest of my things once she got my p.o box number. I found the seat where I had left my things. I came to a halt as I noticed a girl in my seat. She had my bags sitting in her lap. I slowly approached her.  

"Um, excuse me? Are you the student who's showing me around?"

The brunette snapped her head to me. A bright and friendly smile formed on her face.

"Hi! That would be me. I'm part of the student leadership program we have here so I'll be showing you around" Her light brown eyes sparkled as she spoke. She seemed super nice. She placed my bags down and stood up. 

"The name's Lacy," she said, "I'm supposed to show you around and then take you to your apartment."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Alexandria but I go by Alex," I smiled "They told you the apartment situation?" 

"Yeah, it's not a big deal really. I already know the apartment and been there plenty of times. I think we should go!" I nodded, threw my backpack over my shoulders and followed her out. 

The campus was quiet for a Friday. I saw about five other students walking around. I assumed that most students were in early lectures or sleeping in like I wish I was.  It was about 9:00 am.  I was thankful that my schedule had nice times. No classes on Fridays and non before 9:30.

As we walked, Lacy pointed out different buildings and their purpose but I was only half paying attention. I was more focused on my excitement for classes to start. I was going to make my decisions at this school different from the school I transferred from. Now that I had an undeclared major I could start all over again.

Back in Florida, I had my major set as English literature. I also had a minor in culinary arts. I don't know how I found time to do any homework as I was also in the photography club and on the dance team. I mainly focused on film and photography. I had thought about switching my major to film but never got the courage. English literature was a safe.

Since I was little,  I've always wanted to go into directing. I used to take my mom's camera and film random plays that I wrote. They were terrible, but back then I thought they were the most amazing thing ever.

As I got older, my mom bought me my own camera. I stopped making videos and took more pictures. I found my love for photography. Thanks to that, I had managed to become the president of the photography club in both high school and uni.

"We are here," Lacy cheered causing me to come out of my thoughts. This girl seemed to be really happy for having to take time out of her day to show a random student around. 

I looked at the small building in front of me. The building was a peach color and was a rectangular shape. There were stairs that leaded to doors at the top. The apartment Lacy pointed to was on the bottom so thankfully there's no stairs for me.  The bottom apartments had small yards and small sidewalks leading up to the front doors and the stairs. It didn't seem too bad. It was actually kind of cute.

"You're a lucky girl," Lacy suddenly muttered.

I titled my head to the side as I looked at her. "Why is that?"

"Mason is your roommate, "She said dryly. I watch her body language change as she folds her arms and frowns

"Is he someone special?I mean, I heard he's pretty smart.  "

"To me he's not, but to every other girl on this campus he's like a greek god or something. Mason is considered a troublemaker or a "bad boy" as most girls like to call him. Childish, I know," she said with a tint of anger, "Anyways, he's considered very attractive and most girls want him. So I advise you to not fall under his spell or whatever he does to win people over."

"Sounds like high school all over again. Shouldn't people be more grown up by now? We are here for an education, not some "bad" man-child," she laughed at my words

"I've known him for a long time and that's honestly the best way to describe him."

"Hm," I thought this guy was supposed to be a top student? Seemed to me like this school doesn't really know its students. "And he's a top student?"

She huffed, "Surprisingly, I'm pretty sure he's paying someone to do his work."

"Strange, anyway, I should probably go in now." 

Lacy knocked on the front door. I made a mental note to get a spare key from the office. A minute passed by and Lacy became annoyed. She crossed her arms and tapped her foot against the concrete.  After some time, the sound of a lock being switched echoed and the door creeped open. 

 I thought I was somewhat prepared for this but I was wrong. The man before me took my breath away and I didn't know how to feel. He's not what I expected. Hell, I don't know what I expected but certainly not this. He had dark brown curls that messily sat on his head. His eyes were dark, almost black. He wasn't muscular but wasn't stick thin either. From what I could see, he seemed to be what most consider a little short. I'd say he was about 5'11 or so.  Of course, to my 5'5 frame, he is tall. He was attractive.  

"Lacy, what are you doing here? Missed me? I knew you'd be back sooner than later," he flashed her a toothy grin. If his words didn't sound so cocky, I might have thought that was attractive as well. I didn't miss the way Lacy rolled her eyes and scoffed.

"Just bringing the new girl to her apartment," she gave him a smirk and his eyebrows scrunched in confusion.

For the first time his eyes fell upon me.  I felt slightly uncomfortable as his eyes scanned my body. I wanted to disappear. Maybe if I wished hard enough, I could melt into the concrete.  His eyes finally made contact with mine and his face turned stone cold. I could see that his once relaxed body tensed.

"Then why are you knocking on my door? To introduce me to some new friend of yours? I don't give a shit that you made a new friend," with that, he went to shut the door.Lacy swiftly placed her foot in the way of the door causing it to bounce back open. 

"My new friend happens to live here too," she said. "This is your roommate, Alexandria."

"I go by Alex," I awkwardly waved.

"I don't have a roommate," Mason stated. He tried to look intimidating but failed in my opinion. He looked to me like I just took his favorite toy away. "Bad boy" my ass. I mentally scoffed as he glared at me.

"Surprise! You do!Now move, we've been standing out here for a while," she lightly pushed him into the apartment and he allowed it. He looked as if he's been defeated. She grabbed a hold of my arm and one of my bags before pulling me in.

The apartment was tinier than I had expected.  I felt as if I was going to live in one of those tiny houses you see on HGTV only a little bit larger. It had two twin sized beds on opposite sides of the rooms. They were both covered in white blankets, pillows, and sheets. Had the school prepared these or did Mason buy them?

A few feet in front of the beds was a black couch and TV that dominated the whole living room area. Behind that was a small kitchen.

The bathroom was closer to the right side. The door was slightly cracked and I could see that it was a mess inside. How could one person make a bathroom that messy? Towels and clothes thrown everywhere. 

The bed on the right side was unmade and had clothes surrounding it.Thankfully the other bed was untouched. I placedmy bags on the bed. I noticed small closet doors and sighed in relief. I had somewhere to put my clothes.

"Well, I'm going to let you get settled in," Lacy smiled. "Mason, why don't you be a gentleman and help her with her stuff?" she said. Mason scoffed and plopped down onto his bed. She glared at him and then turns back to me.

"You should come eat dinner with my friends and I later. I'll text you," I nodded and wave goodbye. Wait, when did she get my number?

Once I heard the sound of the door shutting, I began to put my things away. I filled up my side table and the closet. I tried my best to not look at Mason. I hoped that I could ignore him and pretend he wasn't there. Him staring daggers into my back made it a bit difficult. 

"Do you need something?" I had enough of him making me uncomfortable.

"Did you request this apartment or something? Are you one of those crazy chicks that want me to date them? It's sick that you'd move into my apartment just and try to get me in your pants." he scoffed.

My eyes widened in shock. "Excuse me? I don't even know who you are. I'm only here because the dorms were filled. I transferred a little late and this was all that was left." 

"That's not very smart of you; to move somewhere without knowing the living situation. You aren't the brightest are you?"

"Who the hell are you to decide my intelligence?"

He shrugged, "I just call it how I see it. If you don't get it, it's because you're blonde."

Not wanting to be around him any longer, I decided I would go take a shower. 

"Are there clean towels already in the bathroom," I asked "is alright if I use one of yours? I don't have any of mine just yet."

 Mason said nothing and I sighed.

I found some in a small closet inside the bathroom. I felt weird using a towel that wasn't mine but of course mine were in a box somewhere between Florida and California at the moment. I moved all of the dirty clothes and towels into a corner, clearing the floor so I didn't have to step on them. 

I walked out after my shower and noticed Mason had left. Mason was going to make this living situation hard. He already tried to put a wedge between us and I haven't even been here for an hour. I guess I can't really blame him for being slightly angry. I would be annoyed too if I had suddenly been thrown a random roommate. Especially if I had been used to living alone.

Before leaving the apartment, I grabbed my small camera. I wanted to take pictures of the campus to send back home. That and work on my photography while I looked for the student center.

 I found my way to the student center as that's where the dining hall was. Student filled the tables and chatted amongst themselves, music played from a radio at one of the sorority info tables. Lacy texted me instructions on how to find their table and I used that to find it.

"Hey, Alex! I can finally introduce you to everyone," Lacy squealed with excitement as I joined her side at the table. She handed me a plate with a slice of pizza and then points at a table.

 "Guys, this is Alexandria," She placed her hands on my shoulders. The group of people stared at me curiously. I shivered uncomfortably. 

"She's totally chill and just so happens to be Mason's new roommate."

Alex," I corrected.

"This is Lyndsey, CJ, Marcus, Erica, Dylan, and you know Mason, " they all said hello except for my roommate, who wouldn't even look at me.

"Yikes, you got placed with Mason? I am so sorry, " The blond-haired boy, who's name was CJ, grinned and laughed. Mason frowned and lightly punched him in the arm.

"You should feel sorry for me," He huffed. 

CJ looked confused,"Sorry for you? You get to live with a pretty girl. I sadly got stuck with a dude."

"Hey," another boy said. "I'm a great roommate."

"I'm sure you are, Dylan," Mason laughed before turning back to CJ. "I don't get to live with a pretty girl. I get to live with her."  He nodded his head towards me.

A red-headed girl slaps Mason on the back of the head, "don't be rude!"

"Damn, Erica, did you have to slap me that hard," He rubbed the back of his head. 

"You deserved it," Lyndsey piped in. 

"Thanks for that," I spoke to Erica, "he's not exactly happy with my presence. He's made it clear that we won't exactly be friends anytime soon."

She rolled her eyes, "He's dramatic. He'll get over it."

"So, what are you majoring in," CJ changed the subject. 

"I'm undeclared right now. Though I'm pretty sure I'm leaning towards liberal arts. Maybe something to do with film or photography," I nodded before taking a bite out of my pizza. 

"That's awesome," He nodded quickly and grinned. "You must be really good with a camera then." 

"You could say that."

"I'm here on a basketball scholarship, but  I study Business Management. I want to have my own business someday. Something that deals with basketball. Maybe sports medicine but just for basketball.  Who knows I have a few more years to think about it," he went on and on about his ideas for a little while longer. I found it to be kind of adorable how passionate he seemed about it. Being goal-oriented is a good trait to have and he certainly had it.

Our conversation went on for a while and went in so many directions. He had me laughing and smiling and it felt nice. I could see myself being great friends with CJ.

"Way to hog the new girls attention, CJ. "Marcus nudged him with his elbow.

"Hey, it's not my fault she finds me the most interesting. Right, Alex," He winked at me.

"Hm, right, I totally love hearing about your Baseball business."

"Basketball."

"Right!"

"Can you guys not flirt while we are trying to eat," Lacy joked, "save it for later."

It was about 7:30 when I decided to head to the apartment to rest. I was exhausted due to the stress and pace of today. I wanted nothing more than to lay down and bury myself in blankets. With a yawn, I stood up from the table.

"Sorry to leave so early but I really need some sleep.I think the time difference is starting to catch up with me. It was nice to meet all of you." 

"I'll walk you home, " CJ stood up as well. 

"I'm coming too. I have to make sure you don't mess with my shit while I'm not there. You already used my towel without asking" Mason got up from his seat. I rolled my eyes and decided not to say anything. He wasn't worth it.

"Florida, huh? Did you have alligators in your backyard?"CJ questioned. 

"Oh yeah! All the time! We even had pet alligator that lived inside. Their names were Tim and Claire. They loved to play fetch!"

His mouth dropped, "are you serious?"

I laughed, "no and I rarely ever saw alligators."

He started laughing too. "Of course. You're funny, huh."

"Mhm, I try."

We were in the middle of a different topic when I felt a slight tug on my hand. I looked down to see CJ locking our fingers together. I slowly pulled my hand to my side and cleared my throat. Hand holding isn't the most intimate thing but I've literally only known this guy for maybe two hours.

"Um, I-

"Too forward?"

"Just a bit," things got a bit awkward after that. CJ was quiet and I didn't really have anything to talk about.

 The awkwardness was suffocating and I almost ran when I saw the apartment/

 "Thank you for walking me home." I smiled.

CJ blushed a bit before speaking "You're welcome. I-I was wondering if you wanted to-"

"Can you guys move? Did you forget doors were made to open? I know you must of Alex." Mason huffed.

"I'll just text you later," CJ chuckled. 

"You'd need my number for that right?"

He blushed,  "Uh, yeah probably. Could I get your number?"

I hummed in response and gave it to him. I watched as he shoved his hands in his pockets and turned to walk away soon after.

               --------

I groaned as my back came in contact with the hard mattress. If you can even call it a mattress. Though it wasn't the most comfortable thing, it felt nice just to lay down.

"So do you always hold hands with guys you just met? I'm a little bummed you didn't hold my hand when you came in," Mason snorted. 

" If you had payed attention, you would have seen I pulled away my hand as he was trying to hold mine. And, I would never hold your hand," I scrunch my nose in disgust. 

"Whatever, just don't jump on the first guy you meet. Wouldn't want to get a reputation so quickly," he chuckled. 

If I had jumped on the first guy I met that would have been him. 

"Oh, before I forget, a welcome package came for you while you were in the shower. I took the liberty of throwing it in the trash for you. You're welcome."

"Why would you do that," I growled and got up. I moved to the small trash can in the kitchen area. I pulled out a box that had the address of a local bakery on it. 

"Mason, my mother sent me these," she must of had them delivered as soon as I texted her the address and apartment number. 

"And I give a fuck, why? That bakery is shit anyway. I did you a favor."

"Unbelievable," I muttered under my breath. I dropped the box back in the trash and went back to me bed.

"This is not how I expected things to go when I met you," my energy was gone and I wanted nothing more than to sleep. I laid there silently until I felt myself beginning to fall asleep.

Before I could fall asleep, my phone lit up and blinded me in the process. I prepared to angry text the person who caused my eye pain.

From: CJ
Goodnight! 😊

I smiled at the text and felt all the anger melt away. CJ was cute and he was actually trying to get to know me. He was way too forward and moved too fast but I wasn't too mad at it. A little creeped out but I knew he meant well.

To: Cj
Goodnight ☺️

"That light is bright and the tapping noise is annoying. Who has their brightness all the way up at night," Mason snapped.